Frequently Asked Questions

The Mountain View Municipal Code does not prohibit the use of gas-powered landscaping equipment, including leaf blowers. However, statewide regulations are already in effect that are phasing out the sale of new gas-powered small engine equipment, and the City actively supports this transition.

State Regulation:

California law AB 1346 (2021) is currently in effect and requires that new small off-road engines sold in California must be zero-emission beginning January 1, 2024. This includes common landscaping equipment such as leaf blowers, lawn mowers, chainsaws, and trimmers. The City of Mountain View submitted a formal letter of support for AB 1346.

The City has considered local regulation of gas-powered landscaping equipment due to community concerns about noise and air quality. These discussions occurred during City Council Study Sessions on December 1, 2020 and March 16, 2021. At that time, the City Council chose not to adopt a local ordinance, in part to avoid duplicating or conflicting with the State’s developing regulations under AB 1346. Instead, Council directed staff to focus on incentives and voluntary programs that support the transition to electric equipment.

Resources for Residents:

Mountain View residents can access resources for electric landscaping equipment through regional programs, including Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE). SVCE’s Appliance Assistant helps customers compare, understand, and shop for electric leaf blowers, lawn mowers, chainsaws, and trimmers. In addition to these consumer resources, SVCE has previously offered limited-time rebate programs for electric landscaping equipment, which the City of Mountain View has actively promoted to residents to support the transition to cleaner, quieter technology.

Incentives for Professional Landscapers:

Professional landscapers may have access to state and regional incentive programs that support the transition to zero-emission equipment. One of the key programs, California’s Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE), was funded through Senate Bill 170 and has provided point-of-sale vouchers in past funding rounds to help reduce the cost of electric landscaping equipment. CORE is a time-limited voucher program, and recent funding rounds have been fully subscribed, so new vouchers are not currently available. The State may announce additional funding in the future. In 2023, the City of Mountain View proactively mailed program information to over 400 local landscaping businesses to help ensure awareness of CORE and related incentive opportunities.

Moving Forward:

Mountain View continues to support the statewide transition to zero-emission landscaping equipment through outreach, incentives, and partnerships. Any new programs or updates will be shared through the City’s sustainability communications.

For updates, visit:
MountainView.gov/Sustainability

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